Diversity Dialogue: Spotlight on School Psychology Innovators

From left to right: Kamila Rankin, Kim Dieu, Heriberto Herrera

NASP 2013 Convention Special Session

A panel of graduate students from culturally and linguistically diverse background presented information about their exemplary projects, activities, and research related to diversity themes during this special session at the NASP 2013 Convention. Sponsored by the Multicultural Affairs Committee.

Session Presenters

Kim Dieu is a second year school psychology graduate student at Chapman University. She was born in Binh Long, Vietnam. Her family came to America when she was three years old under the Humanitarian Operation Program, which was a program that assisted former South Vietnamese prisoners’ (those who fought against North Vietnam) exit from Vietnam and resettlement in the United States. Kim graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development and a minor in Human Services. She decided to pursue a graduate degree in school psychology because she believes that children's educational journeys as well as their spiritual, physical, and emotional growth are important factors in creating a well-rounded and well-adjusted individual. Kim says “I am who I am today because of the many people who believed in my journey; the ones who made me feel important and valued. For every child and student that I will one day work with, I hope to make their experiences along their journeys important and valued.”

Heriberto is currently pursuing his Masters of Arts in Psychology with and Advanced Specialization in School Psychology at Homboldt State University. He is a naturalized citizen from Zamora de Hidalgo Mexico and has been recognized as the 2012 Pearson Minority Scholarship recipient of the NASP Minority Scholarship Program. Heriberto is currently taking national leadership roles in Latino non-profit organizations and has worked as an assistant clients’ rights advocate for regional center consumers. His career goals include using his bilingual skills to aligning the home, school, and community environment to help students of underrepresented backgrounds achieve academic success.

Kamila is a third year doctoral student in School Psychology at Howard University with a specialization in Health Psychology. She is originally from Charlotte, NC and completed her Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2010 with honors. During her graduate career, she has assumed the following leadership positions: Howard University Representative for the Maryland School Psychologists’ Association, Summer Intern at NASP, President of the Howard University Student Affiliates in School Psychology Chapter, and NASP Student Leader. She has also worked with charter schools in D.C. on a preschool readiness project. Her research interests focus on the educational, psychological, and social issues that individuals with chronic illnesses face. Her career goals consist of working in a medical setting with children with chronic illnesses and providing neurocognitive and neurobehavioral services.